If swelling after an injury extends for more than 2 to 3 weeks, you should seek medical help immediately. The duration of swelling from an injury depends on the severity and force with which the accident happened. Instant swelling after an injury, such as a bruise or a sprain, may last a few days to a week. Swelling occurs when the body reacts to an injury. If the swelling lasts, then the injury is continuing to affect your body.
More severe swelling such as fracture may last for several weeks. Swelling after injury may interfere with your capability to work or to engage in your day-to-day activities.
Because swelling is symptomatic of more serious issues, you should always take it seriously, and consult your preferred medical professional. Your doctor will recommend appropriate medications, therapy, or exercise to resolve the swelling.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may help you pursue compensation after sustaining an injury that leads to swelling or inflammation. They know that you may have been under the financial burden of medical expenses.
You need not carry the burden alone when hurt due to someone else’s negligence. They will help in collecting the evidence, investigating the case, and filing the lawsuit within the deadline.
Consult with a slip and fall accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. They have the expertise to navigate complex legal processes and fight for your best interests.
What is swelling?
Swelling refers to the enlargement of skin, organs or other body parts. Generally, it occurs due to a buildup of fluid in the soft tissues. Swelling can also cause a rapid increase in weight within a short span of time, ranging from a few days to weeks.
Swelling that occurs all over the body is known as generalized swelling. If swelling persists in one part of the body, it is known as localized swelling.
What causes swelling after an injury?
Swelling after an injury can be caused by the body’s immune response to that injury. When the body experiences an injury, such as a sprain, bruise, or broken bone, it sends white blood cells, immune cells, and other fluids to the affected area to help repair damaged tissue and fight infection. This inflammatory response is sometimes a good thing, as it means that the body is working to heal some traumatic event.
The increased blood flow and accumulation of fluid in the area result in swelling commonly associated with injury. Such swelling can also cause pain and stiffness, making it difficult to move the affected body part.
Along with the body’s immune response, other factors can contribute to swelling after injury. Factors may include the type and severity of the injury, as well as the individual’s age, overall health, and level of physical activity. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or lymphedema, might also contribute to swelling after an injury. Swelling can occur due to various reasons such as:
- Swelling due to hand, leg, and impact injury after accident;
- Slip and fall
- Infections;
- Allergies;
- Hormonal changes;
- Chronic medical conditions.
How to treat swelling
Treatment for swelling depends on the underlying cause. Some general treatment approaches may include:
- Rest: Resting the affected area can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Avoiding activities that aggravate the injury can help prevent further damage.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Compression: Applying pressure to the affected area with a compression bandage or wrap can help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Swelling after injury in a limb can be treated by elevating the affected member. Elevation of an arm or leg helps reduce swelling by allowing the fluids to drain away from the injured area.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Pain relievers may be used to treat swelling. Always consult with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines in response to an injury, and always use them exactly in accordance with the package directions.
- Medical treatment: In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary for swelling. Treatment can include the use of prescription medications or physical therapy.
Understanding compensation in personal injury claims
The compensation you can pursue in a personal injury claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injury.
- Medical expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for the costs of medical treatment related to your swelling, including hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses.
- Lost wages: If your swelling has caused you to miss work or has otherwise resulted in lost income, you may be able to seek compensation for those lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your swelling and related injuries.
- Disability or impairment: If your swelling has resulted in a permanent disability or impairment that affects your ability to perform daily activities, work, or enjoy life as you did before the injury, you may pursue compensation.
- Loss of consortium: If your swelling has affected your relationship with your spouse or other loved ones, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium, which is meant to compensate for the loss of companionship, affection, support, and other intangible damages suffered by your loved ones.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, you may be able to seek punitive damages.
An experienced lawyer may help you gather evidence, investigate the case, represent the case in court, and present strong defenses in favor of you.
Need Legal Help? Contact The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman.
Schedule a free case evaluation by calling 215-883-8213 to learn more about your case and to find answers on your potential claim if you have suffered severe swelling after an accident.